Driving Pan-African Research Collaboration: PANTHER and Africa CDC Launch the Mpox Study in Africa
November 7, 2024
Africa CDC and PANTHER have announced their first contribution to the Mpox Study in Africa (MOSA), a pioneering clinical trial evaluating brincidofovir for mpox treatment. Starting in Q4 2024 in DRC and neighboring countries, this pan-African trial addresses the urgent need for approved therapies, particularly for vulnerable populations. The study, funded initially by EU's Horizon Europe program, will evaluate the antiviral's safety and efficacy. This initiative represents Africa's leadership in addressing its health challenges, with Emergent BioSolutions providing the study drugs free of charge. The trial will include both children and adults, focusing on those at risk of severe outcomes.
The Africa CDC and PANTHER have launched a groundbreaking clinical trial to address the urgent need for mpox treatment across the continent, demonstrating Africa's leadership in health research.
Key Aspects:
1. Trial Overview:
- Named Mpox Study in Africa (MOSA)
- Pan-African randomized platform adaptive trial
- Starts Q4 2024 in DRC and neighboring countries
- Evaluating brincidofovir antiviral
- Includes children and adults
2. Context and Need:
- Declared Public Health Emergency August 2024
- No currently approved mpox treatment
- Particularly affects vulnerable populations:
* Women and children
* Patients with mucosal lesions
* HIV-positive individuals
3. Research Leadership:
- African-led initiative
- Protocol reviewed through AVAREF
- EU Horizon Europe initial funding
- Partnership with Emergent BioSolutions
- Focus on ethical and scientific standards
4. Study Design:
- Pre-planned interim analyses
- Rapid decision-making capability
- Double-blind placebo-controlled
- Adaptive platform trial
- Focus on remote areas
5. Significance:
- Demonstrates African research leadership
- Addresses urgent healthcare gap
- Builds regional research capacity
- Prioritizes vulnerable populations
- Sets precedent for future initiatives
This initiative represents a significant step in Africa's leadership of global health research while addressing an urgent continental health crisis.